Post navigation

Friday, September 26–Metal Detector Finds Explosive Device

OCEAN CITY – An individual using a metal detector on the beach in front of the Atlantis condominium around 103rd Street this week discovered an unusual find, an explosive device that was later destroyed by members of the resort’s bomb squad.

Shortly before 10 a.m. on Monday, an individual combing the beach with a metal detector in front of the Atlantis located an improvised hand grenade in the sand. Ocean City Police and members of the Ocean City Bomb Squad responded to the scene and were able to render the explosive device safe. One witness reported the bomb squad sending its automated robot to recover the device.

As of mid-week, the incident was still under investigation by the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office and no information was made available about where the device came from, who left it there or what it had the potential to do. The Fire Marshal’s Office is urging anyone with information about the incident to call (410) 289-8780, or the Arson Hotline at 1-800-492-7592. Those who provide information leading to an arrest and conviction often receive monetary rewards.

In the meantime, Ocean City police are taking the occasion to remind citizens to use caution when they come in contact with suspicious items they believe may be an explosive device, whether commercially manufactured or improvised, such as the grenade found this week. Police also warn individuals not to handle suspicious items, back away and call authorities immediately.

In the case this week, the individual who discovered the improvised hand grenade immediately contacted police and the potentially destructive device was removed from the beach without incident.